"Hordes of creatures from the south spills through the twin peaks." started by the knight, Johann.
"Multitudes of goblins and orcs. They seem to have spellcasters and necromancers as well, as we saw zombies, skeletons and constructs along with that horde." continued the prince.
Johann then interjected: "They also employed an advance group which would mean this army has a tactician and not just a great rabble of monsters on a rampage, like the Wave. Most impressive though is that we saw..."
"Giants. A throng, maybe more." the prince finished.
Giants are double the size of a man. They stay in clans of 6 to 12 members, they do not join with monsters on a hunt for food or attacking villages. They usually keep to themselves and stays away from other creatures.
There was silence as the king digests the report. he then gave a grunt as he frowns down to his son.
"You two should marry each other. You already completes each other's sentences." The king chided as a playful grin spreads on his face.
"Next thing you know you will be bickering..." the king continued to tease.
"You're one to talk, if these two are married just because of that then you already have a harem... your majesty." the Royal Magi, Thorvalis quipped as he slinks towards Kain's side. A slight bow and a queasy smile on his face.
Prince Roan, still bowed, showed a slight smile. He liked the slender mage. Whilst everyone else worries that the king made a mistake appointing him as a royal adviser, he sees a loyal retainer and a good friend for his father, Kain. He understood though why people thinks ill of the magi, his unkempt shoulder length long hair and sunken eyes really do give precedent to such comments.
"Not my fault I surround myself with people I can talk casually to, Valis." answered the king.
"So this is not a wave, but an invasion. Am I hearing that right?"
"If we take the prince's report and pick it apart, I would assume so my liege." Valis said.
"Goblins and Orcs will only gather together if a strong hand forces them to. Giants will join anyone only after they have been subdued. They do value their freedom a lot."
" Raising skeletons and zombies by these numbers requires a good number of necromancers."
"Or a very powerful one." added the king as he strokes his chin as he takes this all in.
Valis gave an approving nod.
The king gave a heavy sigh and set his sights to Rolan and his sister.
"And where does the little ones fit in all this?"
Rolan felt the king's eyes on him as he heard his sister whimper. The immense pressure of having just his attention on them is enough to make one shake and sweat.
"They are our forward scouts your majesty." Johann answered to get the king's attention. He gave Rolan a wink and a small smile to ease their panic.
The king smiled and addressed the children once more.
"Your father has been worried little ones. While I appreciate your service, you are now dismissed. Your father will see to your punishment as I have a matter of an invasion to resolve."
"Your majesty, might I suggest we start a conference with the surrounding kingdoms and form a plan to defend against these miscreants? We will also need a contingency plan in case we have to..."
"Yes, yes, you are right. We need to give the citizens time to escape." the king spat out as his mind busies itself in his own head.
Valis' eyes widen as he knows where this conversation is going. He tries to steer it into a less grim path.
"not what I intended to say but I agree, sire. I will ask your hand in war, Loren to create a task force and..."
"assist the populace through the narrows." completed the king. " Oh and get that sniveling bard out of here too. His sister will kill me."
Looking incredulous Valis started to stammer, "M- My lord, you should also be heading back with your brother-in-law. He can start the talks with the other kingdoms whilst you..."
The soldiers and people around the king stopped what they were doing as Valis' words trailed off. Everyone felt the king's presence. It suddenly feels like the king has grown into a giant. A lion amidst lambs.
LOOK AT ME! It seems to scream.
After a pause, when the king felt all eyes are on him, he finished Valis' sentence.
"...Lead my men and give the citizens time to escape."
There is a finality to his tone. Valis knew there wont be anything changing his liege's mind. There never was a time when he can steer this bull.
"As you command, my lord."
Kain released his commanding aura and started adjusting his bracers. Valis gave a resigned sigh and started again.
"I will ask the war leaders into a quick meeting and tell your brother that he is in charge of getting our people to a safe place beyond the narrows. He will also start the talks with the other kingdoms when he gets back to the castle."
"Thank you old friend. I will need you for this one too."
Valis raised an eyebrow at the last sentence. He spoke in a low voice as he conversed with his friend. "You know I am not a combat mage."
"Of course, I have a plan and I need your immense spirit."
"You know I am reserving that for my research."
"It will not affect your research, I assure you."
Valis gave a greater sigh. "What else is new, drag me right into it why don't you."
Kain did not take this as irreverence but a friendly gripe. They have been through so much and the king knows his friend will go straight to his grave willingly with him if they have to.
"So, what do mean for me to do?" asked Valis.
The king looked beyond the gathering into the dark in the direction of the horde. He placed his fingers on his mustache and stroked it slowly towards his chin where the mustache joins his grand beard.
"Blow up the twin peaks."
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